Read: Daniel 11
Bonus Reading: Isaiah 14.12-17; Ezekiel 28.1-10; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-12
Introduction: Which period of history stands out to you as particularly horrific? What is it about that period that troubles you the most?
Information: The last section of Daniel 11 may continue the tale of Antiochus Epiphanes or it may be referring to an as yet unidentified king. The damage done by this king isn’t just military. What further information do we learn about this king in Daniel 11.36-45? How would you describe this king’s motivation? Who suffers as a result of his military advances? How does the vision conclude?
Introspection: Scholars debate whether these last verses of Daniel 11 still refer to Antiochus Epiphanes or if the shift in language points to references to an antichrist. Does the “time of the end” refer to the end of this king’s reign, or to the end of all time? Since we can’t really know for sure, what can we understand that God wants to communicate to us through Daniel’s vision? Whether Antiochus Epiphanies was an antichrist or if there have been multiple antichrists, that is, those who actively oppose Christ, Christ’s people, and Christ’s kingdom, what does God want us to know about God’s work in history, God’s work on our behalf, and the expectations that God has for us as God’s people doing God’s kingdom work?
Impression: Listen quietly for God’s words of direction for you today.